The ferro-pyro-phototronic effect for high-performance self-powered photodetectors

Self-powered photodetectors are advantageous over conventional photodetectors because they can have outstanding performance in the absence of an external power source, which is important for a range of applications, including in the Internet of Things. Current research has demonstrated different types of self-powered photodetectors utilizing the photovoltaic effect, pyroelectric effect, piezoelectric effect, and synergic effects, such as the piezo-phototronic and pyro-phototronic effects. Such effects have been demonstrated in standard semiconductors, in hybrid inorganic-organic halide perovskites and in all inorganic perovskites. Very recently, a novel type of self-powered photodetector exploring the coupling between the photovoltaic, the pyroelectric and the ferroelectric effects (i.e., ferro-pyro-phototronic effect) has attracted great interest, owing to the excellent photo current response achieved with this triple coupling. The ferro-pyro-phototronic effect can therefore be an important route towards improving the performance of self-powered photodetectors. Since ferroelectricity has the potential to bring revolutionary changes in many contemporary technologies, including non-volatile memory, solar cells, field effect transistors, energy storage, and energy harvesters, it is worthwhile exploring in more detail how the ferroelectric effect enhances the triple coupling. Thus, this focus review covers the research conducted so far on the ferro-pyro-phototronic effect, discussing recent progress on the development of self powered photodetectors based on this effect, and also highlighting current challenges and potential solutions for using these devices in real-world applications.